Deogharpex - 2013

A district level philatelic exhibition 'Deogharpex - 2013' was held by the CPMG, Jharkhand Circle on 30th and 31st March 2013 at Deoghar. Two special covers on 'Rohini Shahid Smarak' and 'Mobile Money Order' were released on the occasion.

Courtesy: Mr. Raj Kumar Choudhary

Special Cover on '101 year of co-operative movement in Bihar

A Special Cover was released to mark 101 years of co-operative movement in Bihar at Patna on 23rd March 2013. The cancellation depicts logo of International year of Co-operative. This special cover is priced at Rs. 15/- each and can be obtained from Philatelic Bureau, Patna G.P.O. (Contact: 0612-02236937)

Nawada Stamp Fest 2013

Two Special Covers were released during Nawada Stamp Fest 2013, district level philatelic exhibition held at Nawada (Bihar) on 20th and 21st March 2013. First cove is on Sun, the live God of energy and life-force, widely worshipped in Bihar on all Sundays and during Chhath puja with great devotion and piousness for well being, fame and success. As per mythology Lord Krishna's son, Samb built 12 world famous Sun temples on 12 astrological periods at 12 different places to free himself from the curse of Rishi Gangacharya. Most of those temples are situated in Bihar. The cancellation depicts Arghya - Worship of Sun. Second cover is on Holi festival which is celebrated in Bihar with a great fervor. The cancellation depicts Holika dahan, a symbol of triumph of goodness over evil. Special covers are priced at Rs. 15/- each and can be obtained from Philatelic Bureau, Patna G.P.O. (Contact: 0612-02236937)

Rajgir Stamp Fest 2013

Two Special Covers were released during Rajgir Stamp Fest 2013, district level philatelic exhibition held at Rajgir (Bihar) on 16th and 17th March 2013. First special cover depicts Ghodakatora lake (a bowl of horse) is a bio reserve with agnikund hot water spring in the near vicinity. It is one of the popular tourist spots at Rajgir. It is believed to be the place where Jarasandha's stable was located. The cancellation depicts a Hansa Stupa, the most complete stupa found after excavation in Giriak near Ghorakatora lake. Second cover was on The Rajgir Wall (Cyclopean wall) a pride of Rajgir, built for the fortification of Rajgir and believed to be older than the Chinese and the Spanish wall. The cancellation depicts Lord Buddha's sentiments about scenic beauty of Rajgir. Special covers are priced at Rs. 15/- each and can be obtained from Philatelic Bureau, Patna G.P.O. (Contact: 0612-02236937)

Bhupex - 2013

The District Level Philatelic Exhibition, BHUPEX-2013 was organized by Bhubaneswar Postal Division from 25th to 26th March 2013 at Jaydev Bhawan, Bhubaneshwar. The exhibition was inaugurated by Padma Vibhusan Shri Raghunath Mohapatra, noted architect and sculptor and a member of Indian Council for Cultural Relation. On the occasion, a special cover on Shanti Stupa, Dhauli was released. Dhauli hills are located on the banks of the river Daya, 8 km south of Bhubaneswar. It is a hill with vast open space adjoining it, and has major Edicts of Ashoka engraved on a mass of rock, by the side of the road leading to the summit of the hill. Dhauli hill is presumed to be the area where the Kalinga War was fought. On the top of the hill, a dazzling white peace pagoda has been built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in the 1970s.

On the 2nd day of BHUPEX-2013, Shri Bijayshree Routray, Hon’ble Minister, Forest & Environment, Labour & ESI, Govt of Odisha and President of Eastern India Philatelists’ Association released a special cover on White Tiger – Nadanakanan Zoological Park. Nandankanan Zoological Park is a 400-hectare zoo and botanical garden in Bhubaneswar. Established in 1960, it was opened to the public in 1979 and became the first zoo in India to join World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. It also contains a botanical garden and part of it has been declared a sanctuary. Nandankanan, literally meaning The Garden of Heavens. Nandankanan is famous for the population of white tigers, a species it claims to have produced. In 1980, the first litter of white tigers were born to Deepak and Ganga - both normal tawny tigers. Subsequent litters of white tigers have been distributed to zoos both in India and internationally. Nandankanan is home to over 34 white tigers.

Courtesy: Mr. Ajit Kumar Dash, Bhubaneshwar

Kangrapex - 2013

Two special covers have been released during Kangrapex - 2013 held at Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh) on 21st March 2013. One cover is on Shree Chamunda Devi Mata temple, Chamundaji, Kangra and another is on Mata Jwalamukhi temple, Jwalaji, Kangra. The exhibition was held on 21st and 22nd March 2013.

The Chamunda Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh is located 10 km west of Palampur in the Kangra area of the state. It stands on the banks of the famous Ban Ganga River, the temple is housed with extremely sacred idol of Chamunda Devi, and as such the idol is wrapped by a red cloth. The location of this sacred temple is also significant since it is believed to be the same spot where the Mata or the Maa Kali assassinated the demon kings Shumbh and Nisumbh. The two generals were namely Chanda and Munda. It is their name that gave Goddess Kali, a new name called Chamunda. Chamunda Devi is 15 km from Dharamsala.

The Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra District of Himachal is considered extremely sacred for the Hindus. It is located around 35 km south of the Kangra valley in the lap of Shivalik range and is dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, the deity of Flaming Mouth. The legend of the Jwalamukhi Temple relates to Sati. Jwalamukhi temple is the place where the tongue of Sati fell. Here the goddess is manifested as tiny flames that burn through the fissures in the age old rock. The temple of Jwalamukhi is not an architectural delight. Moreover, there is no idol to worship too. Unlike any other temple, this one doesn't have a statue or an image, but a constantly burning blue flame that seems to come from the rocks. Jwalamukhi Temple is a temple of the Goddess of Light. Jwalamukhi is also known as the Flaming Goddess or She of the Flaming Mouth. The building has a gilt dome and a silver plated folding doors.

Courtesy: Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, Shamshi, Kullu

Simpex - 2013

Two special covers have been released at Shimla on 25th March 2013, on the occassion of 'Simpex-2013' philatelic exhibition. One cover is on Aucland House School of Shimla and another is on 100th death anniversary of A. O. Hume. Auckland House School was established in 1866 at Holly Lodge on Jakhu. Two years later, the school authorities bought Auckland House and the name of the school was changed accordingly. he School continued to grow and gradually strengthened its international image with a large number of boarders from all parts of the world. Allan Octavian Hume was a civil servant, political reformer and amateur ornithologist and horticulturalist in British India. He was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress, a political party that was later to lead the Indian independence movement. Hume took up a great interest in horticulture while at Shimla. He erected large conservatories in the grounds of Rothney Castle, filled them with the choicest flowers. He died at the age of eighty three on 31 July 1912.

Courtesy: Ms. Bhumika Sharma, Solan

Special Cover released at Spring Festival, Dehradun

On the occasion of Annual 'Spring Festival' held at Dehradun on 23rd and 24th March 2013, a special cover was released by H.E. Azeez Qureshi, Governor of Uttarakhand on 23rd March 2013 at Raj Bjawan, Dehradun. Special cover depicts Kilmora, a medicinal hilly yellow flower found in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The cancellation on the cover depicts Buransh (Rhododendron), state flower designed by Philatelist Vinay Gupta.

Courtesy: Mr. Vinay Gupta, Dehradun

Commemorative Stamp on Shri Shivram Hari Rajguru - 22nd March 2013.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee released the Commemorative Postage Stamp on Shri Shivram Hari Rajguru, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on 22nd March, 2013. The Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology, Dr. (Smt.) Kruparani Killi and and Member of Parliament, Shri Shivaji Adhalrao Patil were also present during the release function. Shivram Hari Rajguru was the most enthusiastic soldier of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army. He was known amongst his party as Shahadat ke betab aashik, one eager for sacrificing his life for the party’s cause. Rajguru was born in Khed village in Pune district. He was also known by the name Raghunath. Rajguru had fearless spirit and indomitable courage. Within the party he was a close associate of Chandra Shekhar Azad, Sardar Bhagat Singh and Jatin Das.

Jampex - 2013

A district level philatelic exhibition, Jampex - 2013 was held at Jamshedpur on 20th and 21st March 2013. Two special covers on "TATA STEEL" and "SAVE THE GIRL CHILD" were released during the exhibition. Also a booklet on "SWAMI VIVEKANANDA" was released. CPMG Jharkhand Circle released 'My Stamp' for the first time in Jharkhand.

Courtesy: Mr. Raj Kumar Choudhary

Bhupex - 2013

Bhubaneswar Postal Division is organizing a District Level Philatelic Exhibition 'BHUPEX-2013' from 25th to 26th March 2013 at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. Philatelic Quiz competition will also be held during the exhibition. Special covers on Dhauli Santi Stupa on 25th March 2013 and another on “White Tiger” of Nandakanan on 26th March 2013 will be released during the Exhibition. Arrangements have been made to launch “My Stamp” for the first time in Odisha during this exhibition.

Courtesy: Mr. Bibhudatta Mishra

Commemorative Stamp on Jhulelal Sahib - 17th March 2013.

India Post issued a commemorative stamp on Jhulelal Sahib on 17th March 2013. The Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Shri Kapil Sibal released the Stamp in New Delhi. Jhulelal or Dariyalal or Jinda Pir is the Ishta Dev (community God) of Sindhi Community. His birthday Cheti Chand which falls on the second day of the Chaitra month is auspicious for Sindhis and is celebrated all over the world with traditional pomp and gaiety.

Luphilex - 2013

'Luphilex - 2013', Lucknow regional philatelic exhibition is being held at Faizabad on 16th and 17th March 2013, which is organised by Sr. Supdt. of Post Offices, Faizabad Division. A special cover on 'Saryu Shore' of Faizabad was released on 16th March, 2013.

A Special cover on 'Head Post Office Building' of Faizabad was released on 17th March, 2013.

India Post released a Commemorative Stamp on 16th March 2013 on the occasion of 125th Anniversary of Malayala Manorama News Paper. Honourable President Shri Pranab Mukarjee released the stamp in Kodimatha Printing Press Campus of Malayla Manorama at Kottayam. Earlier on 23.03.1988 a commemorative stamp was issued on the occasion of 100 years of Malayala Manorama depicting Malayala Manorama Newspaper building. Also a commemorative stamps was issued on Shri K. M. Mathew, a former Editor-in-chief of Malayala Manorama on 01.08.2011.

President Pranab Mukherjee with Communication and IT Minister Kapil Sibal and Kerala CM Oommen Chandy releases postage stamps on the occasion 125th Anniversary of Malayala Manorama in Kottayam on 16th March 2013.

First Day Cover with place cancellation of KottayamImage Courtesy: Mr. Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Commemorative Stamp on Sahir Ludhianvi - 8th March 2013.

Commemorating the birth anniversary of legendary poet and lyricist late Sahir Ludhianvi, the President of India Pranab Mukherjee released a commemorative postage stamp on 8th March at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Sahir Ludhianvi breathed his last on October 25, 1980, at the age of fifty-nine. Ludhianvi was a popular Urdu poet and Hindi lyricist, who worked extensively in Hindi films. He won the Filmfare Award twice, in 1964 and 1977, and in 1971 was awarded the Padma Shri.

India Post has released a stamp on the ocassion of Golden Jubilee of Officer's Training Academy, Chennai on 7th March 2013. The Officers Training Academy, Chennai (OTA) is a training establishment of the Indian Army that trains officers for the Short Service Commission. The 49 weeks course at the OTA prepares graduates for all branches of the Army, except for the Army Medical Corps. Established on 15 January 1963, the academy is spread over 750 acres about 15 kilometres south of Chennai, India.

Azampex - 2013

Two days District Level Philatelic Exhibition 'AZAMPEX-2013' was organised on 2nd and 3rd March 2013 at Azamgarh. Exhibition was inaugurated by Col. Kamlesh Chandra, Chief Postmaster General, U. P. Circle. Two special covers were released during the exhibition. On 2nd March a Sp. Cover on an eminent Hindi Poet, critic and literary historia, Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay 'Hariaudh' was released and on 3rd March a Sp. Cover on a Hindi Poet Shyam Narayan Pande.His works include the epic poem Haldighati, which is based on the Battle of Haldighati between the forces of Akbar and Maharana Pratap.

Commemorative Stamp on Nasir Kazmi from Pakistan

The Pakistan Post released a commemorative postage stamp in denomination of Rs. 15 on the death anniversary of the renowned Urdu poet Nasir Kazmi on 2nd March 2013. Nasir Kazmi was born on 8th December 1925 at Ambala, Haryana. Kazmi was educated at Ambala, Simla and Lahore. He migrated from Ambala, India to Lahore Pakistan in August 1947.

Commemorative Stamp on 3 Parac (Special Forces) - 2nd March 2013.

President Pranab Mukherjee released a commemorative stamp on the occasion of bicentenary celebrations of the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 2nd March 2013. The 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) was raised on March 8, 1813. This is one of the first battalions of the Indian Army, which served under the United Nations flag from November 1956 to November 1957 as part of Indian contingent of the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt and Gaza Strip. The Battalion took part in various operations before and during World War -I and during World War -II it look part in operations in the Middle East and Burma. During Jammu and Kashmir Operations, it took part in the famous battle of Shelatang on November 7, 1947. For its continued excellence in operations, the Unit was sent 'Out of turn' for United Nations Mission tenure in Lebanon in January 2008 where it was awarded the United Nations Force Commander Citation. The Battalion has the privilege of being bestowed with 11 pre-independence and two post-independence Battle Honours and one Theatre Honour. It has been awarded with 4 MVC, 1 KC, 15 VrC, 5 SC, 7 AVSM, 22 SM and 6 VSM. (ANI)